China Upset by US Arms Sale to Taiwan

The government of China is upset over an upcoming United States arms sale to Taiwan — the latest in a flurry of disputes elevating tensions between Washington and Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu warned that the Obama administration risked damaging ties with China if it proceeds with the arms package deal, which is likely to include Black Hawk helicopters and Patriot missiles. “Once again, we urge the U.S. to recognize the sensitivity of weapon sales to Taiwan and its gravity,” Ma told reporters on Tuesday. He further said that failure to halt the sale would “impair the larger interests of China-U.S. cooperation.”

Ma's comments were echoed Wednesday by the government’s Taiwan Affairs Office which handles contacts with Taiwan, considered by Beijing to be a breakaway province. “Our stance of opposing arms sales to Taiwan by any country is consistent and clear,” said spokesman Yang Yi. “We feel that advancing the peaceful development of cross-strait relations is the only real way to benefit Taiwan’s peace and stability.”